I wish to thank Propel Technology for sending me a copy of “Hit The Road Jac” by Jacqui Furneaux. The story of her journey over seven years to 20 different countries all on the back of a 500cc Royal Enfield Bullet, with no plan.

Synopsis:

“Read this and you’ll want to go on an adventure. Jacqui’s tale is not just obviously inspiring, but her story makes you think about the pleasures of nature and simplicity; about taking the time to just stand and breathe life in, something we all quite wrongly think we don’t have the time for. Her words reminded me of myself as a child, being inventive, imaginative and at times pretty cheeky to get what I wanted. Though clearly tough and dangerous at times, her journey seemed to create joy, a self-made joy. Nothing better. I’m a huge fan of her trip, it’s made me think…… I bet it will make you think too….!” SUZI PERRY

My Thoughts:

Wow! is an understatement for what Jacqui has been through in her seven years of travelling and has described in this book. She has pushed her way through things that most people would shy away from. This lady certainly likes a challenge. For her 50th birthday she bought her Enfield, in the following 7 years she travelled on it around India, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South and Central America visiting 20 countries on her journey, with only occasional trips back to the UK to see her family.

As Jacqui leads you through her adventure you also learn of her own life. She explains why she made the decision to travel and she does it in an honest way. She is quite candid as she travels to new places and meets new people, as well as her own personal journey as she finds herself. She shares how she dealt with the ups and downs of life, love, family, relationships and travel, just like the cover of her book. A game of snakes and ladders, all ups, downs and working your way through to an end goal.

Along the way she became a well seasoned and respected traveller, keeping an account in her diaries. She has learnt how to repair and maintain her bike that has taken her across mountains, beside volcanoes, deep gorges and passes with the occasional mishap. She has been in the odd accident, bruises, scraps and broken bones, but has recovered to continue her journey and survived to tell the tale.

This book is written in a very easy to read style, it covers a whole range of things that make up a really interesting travel memoir. It has a humorous side to it at times, and is also pragmatic. It has an edge of the seat feel and a great all round read. She shares her feeling on the places she has seen, the kindness of strangers and that some of the places she visited will never be seen again. Her travels started in 2000 and since then their has been civil unrest, conflict and war that has changed the landscape as well as damaging or destroying buildings. I love the fact that the bike is still going!

I would definitely recommend this book to readers of Travel Memoirs, Travel Guide, Educational, Reference, Biography and Non-Fiction books. I can think of a couple of my own family members that would be interested in reading this book. I think different people will take different things from it.

About the Author:

Picking up my brand new Enfield from the showroom in Chennai, India.

In 1998, after bringing up a family and being a nurse and health visitor, I set out on a year’s journey, on my own for the first time ever. I started backpacking in Thailand and explored many South-East Asian countries armed only with wide-open eyes and a guide book. Six months into the trip and feeling quite the adventurous explorer, I went to Pakistan and India before returning to the UK.
​But I found I really liked travelling and although at my age I really should have known better, I set off again, this time combining my love of travel with my other passion … motorcycling. I’d owned various Japanese motorbikes over the years since passing my test aged 24 but had never had an Enfield!

​Exchanging guide books for road maps, for my 50th birthday I bought a 500cc Enfield Bullet in India and rode it, initially alongside the Dutchman who had suggested the idea. None of it was planned. I would not have dreamed I’d be having this chance of a lifetime when I should have been saving for my retirement. But life’s too short not to take a chance.

Follow Jacqui on her Website or Twitter , her website is well worth looking through, there is loads of great content.

I would like to express my thanks to Propel Technology for sending me a copy of this book. My views expressed here are unbiased and my own. The pictures are from Jacqui’s website, a site I recommend visiting.

Many thanks for reading my post. If you liked it, please give it a share. Better still go and buy the book.

Thank you so much for this great review on your esteemed website, Yvonne.
I wrote the book so that people will see that by saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that come their way, life can become more enjoyable and meaningful. Also in these times when there is so much mistrust in the world, I wanted to tell people what I found… that the vast majority of people are friendly and helpful to strangers like me. Do not be afraid of the world! Thanks again.
Jacqui